Tuition & Financial Aid
More than $16 million in scholarships awarded last year.
A scholarship makes tuition even more affordable.
Great news! Through the generosity of numerous corporations and foundations, plus special federal government appropriations, WGU maintains a robust program of scholarships made available to qualified students.
Scholarships are one of the many ways in which WGU removes obstacles from your path to achieving your education goals and improving your career opportunities. It’s part of our investment in the future of our students.
Master Your Future Scholarship
Worth up to $2,500 toward a WGU master's degree!
Master Your Future ScholarshipResiliency Grant
For students who need help with the financial struggles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resiliency GrantBack to School Scholarship
Worth up to $2,500 toward any WGU degree program.
Back to School ScholarshipScholarship eligibility and information.
Scholarships are for new students and returning WGU graduates.
Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning WGU graduates, depending upon specific eligibility requirements for the particular scholarship. Students are eligible to apply for these scholarships within 90 days of starting a degree program, either before or after.
Scholarships are competitive programs.
Recipients will be chosen based upon their academic record, financial need, readiness for online study, and current competency, plus other considerations specific to the individual scholarship.
Students can receive only one scholarship per degree program.
If a student qualifies for multiple scholarships, the review board will consider each opportunity and select which one to award, if any. WGU employees and their spouses are not eligible.
For students who need assistance dealing with the unforeseen financial struggles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Find out what a bachelor’s or master’s degree can do for your career—and for your family’s future.
A scholarship to cover the cost of installing and accessing internet for students who might not otherwise be able to get online.
Master your future with a master's degree from WGU.
For graduates and staff of WGU partner community colleges looking to earn a WGU bachelor’s or master’s degree.
For employees of WGU’s partner institutions who wish to advance their education in the business, education, information technology, or healthcare fields.
For WGU alums who are interested in pursuing a master's degree.
For the child or spouse of a WGU grad who desires to experience their own WGU journey.
For motivated Phi Theta Kappa members with an associate's degree who wish to continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree.
For graduates of Harper College, Illinois, who wish to earn a WGU degree.
WGU has partnered with the Corporation for National and Community Service to help AmeriCorps alumni finish a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
For motivated students who have completed at least four StraighterLine courses who wish to continue their education and earn a degree.
For Red Cross employees and volunteers who are new WGU students that want to earn a WGU bachelor's or master's degree.
For Pathway students who have completed at least five courses, who would like to transfer to WGU.
WGU has partnered with the Western Association of Food Chains to help employees of eligible WAFC partner institutions earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
For students in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Alaska, and Hawaii: Be your own hero! The right degree can take your career to the next level.
For night shift nurses returning to school in our College of Health Professions.
In honor of Margaret McClure, a champion of the value of higher education in nursing, this scholarship is offered to students who have demonstrated activism or innovation in nursing that improves patient outcomes.
For ANPD members looking to earn a WGU online bachelor’s degree or master's degree in nursing or healthcare.
For new MSN or health leadership students at WGU who display the spirit and commitment to leadership exemplified by Linda Knodel.
Master your future with a master's degree from WGU.
For experienced IT or healthcare professionals who wish to attend college online to move into the high-demand field of health information management.
For students who are eager to advance their careers in the healthcare field with a WGU bachelor's degree in health services coordination.
For employees of WGU’s partner hospitals and healthcare organizations who wish to advance their education to become educators, managers, and leaders in vital healthcare fields.
For students who desire to earn a WGU B.S. in Health Services Coordination, a Master of Health Leadership, or an M.S. in Nursing–Leadership and Management.
For aspiring business professionals in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan, West Virginia and select parts of Pennsylvania who want to earn a WGU business bachelor's degree.
Master your future with a master's degree from WGU.
For Society for Human Resource Management national, regional, or chapter leaders who are looking to add a bachelor’s or master’s degree to their résumé.
Gain the skills and credentials you need to build a strong career in cybersecurity with a bachelor's or master's degree from WGU.
Master your future with a master's degree from WGU.
For aspiring teachers, this scholarship can be applied toward any of WGU’s Teachers College degree programs leading to teacher licensure.
For the men and women who work in America’s K–12 schools and districts who desire to earn a WGU bachelor's or master's degree.
For graduates of the Teachers of Tomorrow program who are now pursuing a master's degree through WGU's Teachers College.
Master your future with a master's degree from WGU.
WGU has partnered with the National Military Family Association to offer active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their spouses an opportunity to advance their education.
3 steps to apply for WGU scholarships.
Now that you've looked at scholarships and found one that might apply to you, here's how you apply.
1. Complete the admissions application.
To be considered for any WGU scholarships, you must be provisionally accepted as a WGU student. Complete the admissions application and work with your enrollment counselor to move through the admissions process.
2. Complete the general scholarship application.
The general application is required for all WGU scholarships, and lets us learn more about you and which scholarships you may be eligible for. To access the application, you will need your MyWGU student portal credentials, which will be sent to you shortly after Step 1. NOTE: You are eligible to apply for scholarships within 90 days of starting a degree program, either before or after. You must complete the application within 90 days of your intended start date.
3. Log in to scholarship portal and apply.
Based on what you tell us in Step 2, we’ll let you know which scholarships you might be eligible for. Finish up by reviewing the recommended opportunities and completing the supplemental application for each scholarship you’d like to be considered for. These additional applications need to be submitted within 5 days of submitting the general application.
Common questions about scholarships.
How do you select scholarship winners?
It depends upon the scholarship. In general, we award scholarships based on the following factors:
- Meeting the basic eligibility requirements
- Answers you give on the scholarship application
- An interview with a scholarship counselor
Some scholarships are also based upon evaluations of prior college transcripts and other tests. We encourage you to apply.
When will I find out if I'm selected?
WGU evaluates scholarship applications on a continual basis because we start new students in their programs every month. Often we are able to make an award decision within 8–10 weeks of receiving your application. In most cases, you will also need to have applied for admission and been accepted to the university. An Enrollment Counselor can help explain the process.
Do I get the scholarship all at once?
No. Scholarship awards are divided into a set amount per term. This amount is credited against your tuition due for each term. The details are explained in the description for each scholarship.
Can I also apply for financial aid?
Yes. You probably should apply for federal financial aid, too. Scholarship awards will only cover a portion of your school expenses, and financial aid can help pay for the rest. You can apply for financial aid while you are waiting for a decision about your scholarship application. It will not hurt your chances to win a scholarship. Here is full information on financial aid.
Next Start Date
Dec 1
Start the 1st of any month—as soon as you complete enrollment!
Take the next step.
Ready to move forward toward achieving your goals? Millions of dollars in available scholarships can put the dream of a college degree even more within reach! Get started today—the first step is to apply for admission.
